Reviews of Sivaji - The (Real) Boss!!!

It has been one of a rarest of the rare occasions in the history of Indian (and now global) cinema that a movie had been hyped so much, and it hasn't failed to deliver and meet the expectations of its fans!!! Yes! I am talking of the movie Sivaji - The Boss. Super star RajniKant makes a dhamakedhar return after 2 years of ‘exile’. Boy!!! Kya return service marahe sir aapne? Har ek ki lab pe ek hi naam hai, Sivaji – The Boss. You have ensured that none of your fans are left disappointed. Every movie these days is released with the so called ‘It’s Different’ tag, while only a few are different. I feel the media wasn’t too hyperbolic either, about the movie’s reviews. They were pretty fair in saying that any RajniKant fan would have a blast of a time, as the real super star gives every other ‘Badshah’, ‘King’ and ‘Ace’, a run for their money!!!

I have always been fascinated by the style and coolness index associated with this crowd puller. His biggest asset is undoubtedly his style and mannerism. None of the other so-called STARS can even think of matching his caliber. No duteous follower of RajniKant would feel any stunt performed by him to be ‘Illogical’ / ‘unrealistic’/ ‘Larger than life’ or whatever. Even at this age, RajniKant has such a charismatic screen presence that even the so-called ‘youth icons’ stale in front of him. Such is the jaado of RajniKant. Isiko RajniKant Mania kehte beta!!!

Coming to the story line of the movie, one would expect a Rajni film to have all those ingredients which makes his film a 'dish' to relish. Sivaji too has all that one would expect from him. The story basically is about an NRI (Sivaji, a Software Systems Architect from USA) who returns back to Chennai with a dream to invest his earnings (Rs 200 crore project) in building colleges, hospital etc, in order to serve common people. But it doesn’t take him a long time, before he is faced with the ‘Nanga Succh’ about the so called 'bureaucratic hurdles' in actualizing his dreams. He is troubled by those gazillion ‘formalities’, that one has to fulfill before opening a college/ hospital etc. Adiseshan (Suman) is a politically influential businessman who plots his downfall and Sivaji ends up losing all his money. The movie clearly reflects the status quo of the ‘Goondha-giri’ politics that has rooted in our country. He decides to take on the whole system and teach all those ‘Dirt balls’, a lesson of a life time.

If you happen to conclude by the above description that this is some serious movie, with no tickling flavor of Tamil comedy, you will certainly be proved wrong. The south Indian superstar of comedy (Don't you dare to question his caliber...) Vivek, leaves you guffawing all throughout the movie. Vivek plays the role of sivaji’s ‘mama’. It’s his priceless piece of comedy that fuels the movie to shine brighter.

When the duo comes on screen, the viewers are surely in for a laughter treat. They make a perfect combo. Kudos Vivek!!! You are one of those key factors who have made a significant contribution, in ensuring that the movie doesn’t sound very preachy in nature. Boss ka definition kya hai? Bachelor of Social Service!! (This is a sample of how Vivek delivers some priceless and refreshing comedy. That’s Vivek for you. He shows how one doesn’t need to resort to some third rate PJs to entertain the viewers) Thanks a ton!!!

The music of the movie is simply awesome. A R Rehman has done complete justice to this whole movie with some real good numbers. The director of the movie, Shankar has ensured that the movie doesn’t sound like yet another Anniyan/Indian, which had similar shades of a man rising against the system. Thanks a ton sir!!! Shriya sharan as Tamizharasi too has done her part of the job some real good justice. She has already grabbed some good offers from big banners. She is all set to enter bollywood cinema via this movie. Other actors in the movie like Raghuvaran as Dr. Chezhian, Manivannan as Sivaji's father, have all done justice to their roles.

PS: Sivaji is certainly much much more than just a 'preachy' movie!!! So all you ardent Rajni fans out there go get your share of visual treat!!!

~IT's My Life

Dumb and Dumber!!!

Have you ever wondered why people ask you some questions, when they know the answers to those questions themselves? I am sure every one of you would have faced these kinds of abashing situations. When you hear such questions, apka dil to karta tha hai ki samne wale ko zor sa ek thappad marke wahan se kalti marlo!!! Par kya kare dosto, yeh sharifo ka (na ki sheriffo ka) duniya hai. Sabh logo ko ‘accha aadmi/aurat’ kehelwane ka shauk jo padi hai!!! Kitna bhi gussa aaye, use 'niyantrit' karna padta hai. Sabse mushkil cheez yeh hoti hai ki, woh besharam aadmi/aurat jo aise stupid sawal poochta hai, woh hamare jaan pehchaan wale hi hote hain. Ek dharam sankat ki istithi paida ho jati hai. You gotta bear with it folks!!!

Par saala abh nahin bardaash hota yaar. Besharmi ki bhi koi had hoti hai. So all you uncle/aunties/dost-log, and all those uninvited baalus (and bhageeras) ... I write post this to express my deepest feelings of anguish and intolerance. May the almighty bestow you with the power to discern the line of demarcation between sanity and insanity!!! Don’t even think of asking me questions which are even remotely close to the following ones.

Scene 1: You are well dressed in your school uniform and rushing towards the school bus, near the bus stop in your colony (arey thoda life ki tape to rewind kar ke imagine karlo yaar). Suddenly an uncle, you are asked to show respect passes by, and asks, "Beta school jare ho?"

What you utter: “Ha uncle, aaj bahut late hogayi…” Uske baad aap phata phat bus main chad jate ho...

What your gut says: "Nahi uncle, film dekhne ja raha hoon. Mere paas do aur ticket hain. Agar aap chahate hain to main aap ko who de sakhta hoon!!! Kya hain ki, school main film par ek report ka assignment diya hain!!!"

Scene 2: You are freaking out with your friends at a theatre, to check out the recent flick. Suddenly you meet your ‘nursery alma-mater’, who asks you the most un-obvious question. "Arey thu bhi... Theatre main kya kar raha hai yaar?"

What you utter: "Yaar tumhe dekh ke bahut kushi hui yaar. Mere dost sabhi movie dekhne aaye to mai bhi unke saath company dene agaya."

What your gut says: "Aaj kal black ticket ka side business shuru kiyela apun ne. Pocket money ki bahut kami hai yaar. Kaho to tujhe bhi yeh naukri dila sakta hu. Apna resume mujhe forward karde F****R!!! Dus ka thees dus ka thees..."

Scene 3: You just finish your lunch/dinner at marriage ceremony of your friend. You sit beside your friend chatting about some chick who threw 'ek-khatilana-muskaan' at you. Tabhi ek aunty aapse pooch thi hain, "Beta kya tumne khana khaya?"

What you utter: "Ha aunty... Thanks for such a delicious treat!!!"

What your gut says: "Nahi aunty… aapko kya lagta hain? Main yahan plate saaf karne ke liye baitan hoon kya?" You flash your hand(s), to prove your point!!! You feel like smearing all the left over food from your friend's plate on to her face. Saala apun kho bhikari samajh thi hain... "Main doosri baar khana nahi mangoonga aunty, chinta math karo!!!"

Scene 4: It’s raining torrentially outside and you rush in to the house fully drenched with rain water, just like john Abraham in the song ‘Phaigaam laya sawan’ in ‘Lakheer’. You are searching for some warm clothes to change. Apke ghar waale apse pooch te hain, “Kya beta tum baarish main bheeg ke aarahe ho?” (Just like bollywood film main biwi questions her husband, “Aaj sharab peeke aaye ho kya?”)

What you utter: Bahar bahut baarish thi aur mere paas koi chatri bhi nahi thi. Isliye bheegna pada!!!

What your gut says: “Kya baat karte hain? Apne colony ke paas jo jheel hain, usme swimming karke bahut din hogaya the. Socha ek bar dive marke aau. Pata hain, maine swimming abhi boola nahi hoon. Dehke te raho main bhi ek din Ian Thorpe ki tarah Olympics main gold medal jeet ke laaonga!!!”

Scene 5: You are busy shopping at a shopping complex, when a friend of yours comes over to you and asks the most obvious question, "Kya yaar… Shopping ke liye ayete kya?"

What you utter: "Ha yaar.. kuch shopping-whopping karne nikla tha..." (With a smirk)

What your gut says: "Nahi yaar... Kya mazak karta hai kya. Raat to ko is shopping maal main dhaka dalne ka plan hai. Isliye ek baar security loop holes dekhne aya tha. Kisiko bolna math ha.. Saala main tereko shakal se badmash lakta hu kya?"

Scene 6: You are tired to the core after an exhaustive morning jog (in a track suit) and you are almost drenched with sweat (mehnat ki nishani).Tabhi ek uncle you know who passes by asks you, "Kya beta jogging karne ayata kya?"

What you utter: "Ha uncle, doctor ne bola hain ki jogging sehat ke liye acchi hain... to isliye maine bhi jogging chalu kiya.."

What your gut says: "Saale tumhe kya lagta hain? Subha subha maine koi ladki ko cheda, aura police mere peeche padi hain? Main kya pagal hu jo is tarah daud rahan hu?"

This is gotta be the dumbest question I have ever heard people ask.

Scene 7: Usually a dead body is taken in procession to the cremation place. Some follow the tradition of burning crackers in front of the procession. It’s all a part of their custom and ritual. Then someone on the way asks one of the followers in the procession, "Kya koi margaya hain kya?"

What you utter: "Kya kahe. Bahut accha aadmi tha. Humne socha nahi tha ki woh itna jaldi hum subko chod ke chala jayega..."

What your gut says: "Haram khor... Andhe ho kya? Dhikayi nahi deta kya? Tumhe kya lagta hain, yahan par koi film ki shooting chaalu hai?"

PS: I wouldn't blame anyone for asking such dumb questions. I'm sure you would have been at both ends on numerous occasions. It’s just that people try to be nice with you when you ask such questions and don't slash back!!! Par age se jabbi aap logo main se koi bhi aisi situation main ho, to please aise stupid questions math poocho? If you got some more questions like these, feel free to share with all of us. I would love to hear from you people.

~IT's My Life

What Kinda friend are u?

You Are A Good Friend

You're always willing to listen Or lend a shoulder to cry on You're there through thick and thin Many people consider you their "best friend"!

What Kind of Friend Are You?

~IT's My Life

Golden rules for finding your life partner...

Abh yeh math samajh lena ki main koi matrimonial consulting ki dukhan kolne wala hu. Jo log shaadi ke bandhan main bandhne ja rahe hain, or jo uske bare main abhi sirf vichaar kar rahe hain, unke ke liye eh post dedicated hain!!! Agar wedding ring ke saath "Suffe(r)-ring" bhi (muft main) pana nahi chahate ho to in points par thoda sa dhyan do...

A wedding ring!!!

A relationship coach lays out his 5 golden rules for reviewing the prospects of long-term marital success. When it comes to making the decision about choosing a life partner, no one wants to make a mistake. Yet, with a divorce rate of close to 50 percent (in USA), it appears that many are making serious mistakes in their approach to finding Mr./Ms. Right!

If you ask most couples who are engaged why they're getting married, they'll say: "We're in love." I believe this is the #1 mistake people make when they date. Choosing a life partner should never be based on love. Though this may sound not politically correct, there's a profound truth here. Love is not the basis for getting married. Rather, love is the result of a good marriage. When the other ingredients are right, then the love will come.Let me say it again You CANNOT build a lifetime relationship on love alone. You need a lot more. Here are 5 questions you must ask yourself if you're serious about finding & keeping a life partner.

QUESTION #1 Do we share a common life purpose?

Why is this so important? Let me put it this way: If you're married for 20 or 30 years, that's a long time to live with someone. What do you plan to do with each other all that time? Travel, eat & jog together? You need to share something deeper & more meaningful. You need a common life purpose. Two things can happen in a marriage. You can grow together, or you can grow apart. 50 percent of the people out there are growing apart. To make a marriage work, you need to know what you want out of life - bottom line - & marry someone who wants the same thing.

QUESTION #2 Do I feel safe expressing my feelings & thoughts with this person?

This question goes to the core of the quality of your relationship. Feeling safe means you can communicate openly with this person. The basis of having good communication is trust- i.e. trust that I won't get "punished" or hurt for expressing my honest thoughts & feelings. A colleague of mine defines an abusive person as someone with whom you feel afraid to express your thoughts & feelings. Be honest with yourself on this one. Make sure you feel emotionally safe with the person you plan to marry.

QUESTION #3 Is he/she a mensch? A mensch is someone who is a refined & sensitive person.

How can you test? Here are some suggestions. Do they work on personal growth on a regular basis? Are they serious about improving themselves? A teacher of mine defines a good person as "someone who is always striving to be good & do the right thing." So ask about your significant other What do they do with their time? Is this person materialistic? Usually a materialistic person is not someone whose top priority is character refinement. There are essentially two types of people in the world: People who are dedicated to personal growth & people who are dedicated to seeking comfort. Someone whose goal in life is to be comfortable will put personal comfort ahead of doing the right thing. You need to know that before walking down the aisle.

QUESTION #4 How does he/she treat other people?

The one most important thing that makes any relationship work is the ability to give. By giving, we mean the ability to give another person pleasure. Ask: Is this someone who enjoys giving pleasure to others or are they wrapped up in themselves & self-absorbed? To measure this, think about the following: How do they treat people whom they do not have to be nice to, such as waiters, bus boys, taxi drivers, etc. How do they treat parents & siblings? Do they have gratitude & appreciation? If they don't have gratitude for the people who have given them everything, you cannot expect that they'll have gratitude for you-who can't do nearly as much for them! Do they gossip & speak badly about others? Someone who gossips cannot be someone who loves others. You can be sure that someone who treats others poorly, will eventually treat you poorly as well.

QUESTION #5 Is there anything I'm hoping to change about this person after we're married?

Too many people make the mistake of marrying someone with the intention of trying to "improve" them after they're married. As a colleague of mine puts it, "You can probably expect someone to change after marriage .. for the worse!" If you cannot fully accept this person the way they are now, then you are not ready to marry them. In conclusion, dating doesn't have to be difficult & treacherous. The key is to try leading a little more with your head & less with your heart. It pays to be as objective as possible when you are dating, to be sure to ask questions that will help you get to the key issues.

Falling in love is a great feeling, but when you wake up with a ring on your finger, you don't want to find yourself in trouble because you didn't do your homework..

Courtesy: Received via an e-mail.

~IT's My Life

Orkut - Aisi azadi aur kaha?

One of the fundamental rights that every person would love to exercise is the freedom of expression. But every fundamental right carries with it a duty as well. When it comes to freedom of expression there are literally infinite modes of exercising it. The World Wide Web is undoubtedly one of the most widely used means of reaching maximum number of viewers and also in a shorter period of time. Everything in this world has got its own set of advantages and disadvantages. World Wide Web is probably one of the most widely abused means of communication media.

I would like to focus in particular on a social networking site called Orkut, which has been in news off late because of this. Every service u get on internet is bound to be misused and abused to the fullest in some way or the other and Orkut is no exception to it. Orkut gained widespread popularity amongst the youth of India very recently. Since then it’s literally been every person’s favorite hangout on the internet. It currently stands at 3rd position, in terms of usage.

I have (in fact had) been an ardent fan of orkut, since its one of the easiest means to keep in touch with a lot of my friends and relatives. I am also a member of several communities on orkut, which are basically created to share the common interests of people around the globe. The ease with which one can build acquaintances is the USP of orkut. One can easily create number of communities and share his/her views openly without fear/favor.

All this falls on the brighter side of orkut. Like any other website, orkut also has been misused quite profusely. No matter how Google claims to be vigilant to keep a check on offensive contents being published on their portal, they have never been successful. A few months back there was quite bit of a row on communities which had become open platforms to showcase their anger and rage on certain nations like India, Pakistan, etc. I had received N number of e-mails asking me to report these kinds of communities as bogus. Google claims to remove/block any such offensive/inappropriate/illegal contents from their site when notified by users.

But take a closer look at the communities on orkut; u will be astonished to see countless such communities were people express open hatred towards a country or its people and no one hardly bothers to report about the abuse. I was a bit curious about such hyperbolic claims made by Google about keeping their social networking site 'beautiful', so I searched a few communities with key words, and was literally dumbfounded to find a big list of such communities. Communities like a, b, etc are undoubtedly offensive.

One who has been using orkut for quite some time, would know how the pics of female users are prone to abuse by other orkut users. Every Tom, Dick and Harry can literally do anything with a snap of yours from ur photo album on orkut and misuse it. So off late many of my friends haven't posted their original snaps. Another feature that Orkut provides, is to add links to your favourite videos on the web. This could also be potentially used to post offensive contents on orkut.

What really irks me is not the fact that these sites allow such offensive contents to be posted on their site, but with that an amount of ease. You can easily walk away uncaught (on most occasions) doing such a mischief! We the users of such social networking sites should be aware of such flaws and educate people regarding them. We need to raise voices against such incidents, whenever we come across them. Do we need people like shiv Sainiks who abuse the law themselves, to educate us regarding the flaws in such websites?

PS: Orkut is just one of those zillions of websites that I have talked about, where the published content’s misuse is simply a child’s play. Think of all other so-called social networking sites, which have been multiplying just like mushrooms, where the vigilance levels (at least in few of the sites) are pathetic? Is this whole concept of social networking a boon or a bane? How safe are such sites for a user?

Photo courtesy: www.shalinjain.com

~ IT's My Life